The array of options available on the market is both exciting and confusing. Especially those who have no experience in riding snowmobiles may find it hard to decide which model is right for them.
Before making a final decision, consider the following factors that will help you narrow down the scope of suitable options.
1. Determine what type of areas you want your sled to take on. Generally, they fall into four major categories:
- Mountain sleds. They are designed to deal with mountainous terrains and plenty of snow. What makes them stand out among other versions is powerful engines that deliver an unsurpassed riding experience if you decide to head into the backcountry.
- Trail sleds, or entry-level snowmobiles. They don’t really allow the rider to swerve off the trail and challenge more difficult terrains, which means you shouldn’t expect much power from them. The most you can get out of such a vehicle is around 70HP.
- Crossover sleds. They go from a groomed trail to the backcountry and back with ease, which allows you to dominate both in dense woods and less challenging spaces, regardless of weather conditions.
- Utility sleds. They are used for work purposes, which means you can bring along plenty of supplies, tow heavy loads and deliver goods the capabilities you won’t find if you opt for sportier machines.
2. Decide if you are going to need some extra space to accommodate a passenger. If you plan to bring someone along with you on your journey, having one vehicle suitable to carry both the driver and the passenger is a more practical solution than shopping for several sleds. Such snowmobiles are known as touring sleds. Keep in mind though, that they are not best at handling quick, aggressive turns due to their larger size.
3. If you are unsure whether a two-stroke or a four-stroke engine will suit your needs, consider the benefits of both of them:
- In terms of cost, models with a two-stroke engine are significantly cheaper than their four-stroke counterparts.
- As regards an average lifespan, four-stroke engines last longer and require less maintenance.
- As far as oil consumption is concerned, models geared with four-stroke engines require less oil and produce less noise.
4. Despite their compact size, two-stroke snowmobiles feature great power capabilities and the fact that they are lightweight makes them ideal for speed riding along smooth trails.
Four-stroke snowmobiles, on the contrary, are heavier. They are perfect for tackling rugged terrains and steep backcountry slopes.
5. Depending on the area snowmobiles are designed for, they come in different track sizes. If you are going to use your sled on groomed surfaces, you will need a vehicle with a shorter track to deal with quick turns with ease.
However, if you plan to conquer wilder areas with plenty of snow, you will benefit from machines with longer tracks that will help you stay afloat in deep powder.
6. Depending on the model you choose, there are lots of accessories you might need to enhance your riding experience. Consider how long you want to stay on the trail and what types of areas you wish to explore. Most probably, you can’t do without a snowmobile cargo box to store all the necessary gear. Make sure that the snowmobile box you choose is made of durable materials able to withstand low temperatures and extreme riding conditions.
7. Think of how much you are ready to pay for your sled. An average price of a new sled is around $13,000. The cheapest models suitable for inexperienced riders range from $6,000 up to $10,000. However, if you are looking for a high-performance vehicle, be prepared for significantly higher price tags up to $18,000.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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